Glaucoma is defined as a group of progressive eye conditions that lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve.  “In 2010, 60.5 million people were estimated to be suffering from glaucoma worldwide, with a predicted increase to 79.6 million by 2020.”

Most cases of glaucoma are painless, so patients should be examined by an ophthalmologist if:

• Family history of glaucoma exists
• History of chronic steroid use exists
• Uveitis (eye inflammation) is found
• History of ocular trauma exists
• Symptoms such as eye redness, pain, blurry vision or halos, headaches, nausea, or vomiting occur

Although glaucoma has no cure, it is treatable if caught early with the help of medical therapy, lasers, or surgical intervention.

Source: www.medscape.com